Amulet

This bronze amulet was found during excavations at the Roman fort at Newstead in Roxburghshire. It was used sometime between 80 and 180 AD.

The amulet has a phallic terminal. It is perforated through the centre to allow it to be fastened by a cord or some other means.

The Romans were superstitious, and used amulets and pictures of the gods to ward off evil. Phallic representations are found on a large number of Roman objects. They were thought to produce good luck and protect against the evil spirits.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-818-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.FRA 629
Date:	Between 80 and 180 AD
Material:	Bronze
Dimensions:
What:
Subject:
Who:	Newstead Collection
Where:	Scotland, Roxburghshire, Melrose, Newstead
Event:
Description:	Bronze amulet with phallic symbol, from Newstead
References:	Curle, J. A Roman frontier post and its people: the fort of Newstead. Glasgow: MacLehose, 1911, p 150, Pl LXXVII, 2.
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